Hard turning ...

[yammitrip1]

So I went riding the other day last week. In the middle of the ride my steering loosened up way way too much, it was loose as in it acted like a going out tie-rod. So I tore it down, my bell crank was loose. The nut on the bottom of it some how backed out. I naturally tightened it and I added loctite on the nut. Problem being is..... I may have tightened it too much. steering really hard now. Any possibility to this or no. I didn't think it was possible on the bottom but it could be I guess. Opinions

 

[rbig18]

I don’t have link handy but there is a few threads on here about loose/sloppy steering and how to tighten. Just search loose steering and you will find instructions how to tighten. From what I recall it does seem possible to overtighten.

 

[yammitrip1]

I don't see how I can over tighten the bottom joint on the steering stem itself, there is a stopper/washer that hits against the bracket. I was thinking it possiblely could be pulling too much down on the steering shaft but it's not possible after thinking about it. I think the only possible thing that I could have done is over tightened the upper post clamp. The 2 plastic prices, I don't get how that would cause it ether as I didn't shave any material off the clamp to squeeze tighter but it is plastic and does flex a bit

 

[ksiesel]

I don't see how I can over tighten the bottom joint on the steering stem itself, there is a stopper/washer that hits against the bracket. I was thinking it possiblely could be pulling too much down on the steering shaft but it's not possible after thinking about it. I think the only possible thing that I could have done is over tightened the upper post clamp. The 2 plastic prices, I don't get how that would cause it ether as I didn't shave any material off the clamp to squeeze tighter but it is plastic and does flex a bit

Try getting the skis up in the air so you can move the bars and feel the resistance then loosen your upper clamp where the two plastic halves are. I think you’ll have found your issue at that point. I went through the same thing a year or two ago.

There is an aftermarket bushing that can be installed in place of the plastic pieces. It’s aluminum with a bronze or copper bushing to ride on the steering shaft. I believe this design would not pinch the shaft when the bolts are over tight, but I’ve never used it.

 

[super1c]

I don't see how I can over tighten the bottom joint on the steering stem itself, there is a stopper/washer that hits against the bracket. I was thinking it possiblely could be pulling too much down on the steering shaft but it's not possible after thinking about it. I think the only possible thing that I could have done is over tightened the upper post clamp. The 2 plastic prices, I don't get how that would cause it ether as I didn't shave any material off the clamp to squeeze tighter but it is plastic and does flex a bit

My wife tipped hers over and loosened up the upper post clamp. It can be over tightened. I just kept tightening bolts till I felt resistance in steering the backed off an eighth turn. Got to get weight off front to do it right.

 

[savageman69]

you guys are talking about the wrong thing...he tightened the bell crank, which is in the bottom connected to the tie rods...not the top post bracket.

i dont think you can over tighten the bell crank...i tightened the crap outta mine all is good

 

[ksiesel]

you guys are talking about the wrong thing...he tightened the bell crank, which is in the bottom connected to the tie rods...not the top post bracket.

i dont think you can over tighten the bell crank...i tightened the crap outta mine all is good

He tightened both. See post #3

 

[yammitrip1]

I over tightened the top clamp. Must be the plastic can flex enough to over tighten. All is good!!